The air force has acquired 12 ex-French Air Force Dassault Alpha Jets as part of its ongoing expansion to combat insecurity.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Olusegun Dada, confirmed in a post on his X handle that the jets, acquired through Sofema, a French military and aeronautics company are ready for shipping.
“Next year, the NAF is also set to receive 10 x AW-109 Trekker helicopters, 24 x M-346FA aircraft, and 3 x CASA – 295 aircraft as well as 12 x AH-1Z attack helicopters.
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“That is not all. In addition to these new acquisitions, we have also procured 12 pre-owned A-Jet aircraft from the French Air Force through SOFEMA. While all 12 aircrafts are ready for shipping, it is anticipated that six will be restored to operable status, with the remaining six used as spares to support the Alpha Jet fleet.
“It is therefore no exaggeration to state that the Nigerian Air Force is experiencing a golden era under the current administration.
“It is a fact that under the leadership of His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Air Force has witnessed a remarkable renaissance, evident in the renewal of our aircraft fleet and enhanced operational readiness,” Dada said in the post.
